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Spartans, Lucas Primed For Stretch Run
I think Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas is a terrific player, who has had a difficult season. Tom Izzo pushed him early this season, publicly calling him out. Trust me on this: Izzo doesn’t do that unless he figures the kid can take it.
Secondly, Lucas has had a nasty ankle sprain. Michigan State lost three games in a row while Lucas was ailing, but it doesn’t mean they will be any less of a force when it really matters come March.
Lucas, in particular, should gain from the problems during the regular season and emerge as more of a leader than ever.
It’s about peaking at the right time. It wouldn’t surprise me if State does that after a lull. And that Lucas will be the leader.
He had a huge game at Penn State Saturday. Might be the beginning of a big run for him - and the Spartans overall.
My column in Monday's Oakland Press on the plight of the Red Wings http://tinyurl.com/yjaxugp
My column in Sunday's Oakland Press on why I think the Tigers are capable of winning the AL Central. http://tinyurl.com/yfmuhjt
Secondly, Lucas has had a nasty ankle sprain. Michigan State lost three games in a row while Lucas was ailing, but it doesn’t mean they will be any less of a force when it really matters come March.
Lucas, in particular, should gain from the problems during the regular season and emerge as more of a leader than ever.
It’s about peaking at the right time. It wouldn’t surprise me if State does that after a lull. And that Lucas will be the leader.
He had a huge game at Penn State Saturday. Might be the beginning of a big run for him - and the Spartans overall.
My column in Monday's Oakland Press on the plight of the Red Wings http://tinyurl.com/yjaxugp
My column in Sunday's Oakland Press on why I think the Tigers are capable of winning the AL Central. http://tinyurl.com/yfmuhjt
Labels: Kalin Lucas Tom Izzo
posted by Pat Caputo at
1:47 PM
6 Comments:
It was nice to see Kalin outperform Talor Battle, if only by a slim margin.
MSU two important games left on their schedule right now: Ohio State at the Bres on Sunday and at Purdue in a few weeks. My guess is that they split those and finish for a tie for the Big Ten title with Purdue and Ohio State at 14-4 which should set them up with a 3 seed.
But if this team is to go deep in the tournament, they need to find out how to score in the paint again because they have seamlessly become a jump-shooting team. That won't cut it in the tournament because I don't think their defense is good enough to make up for it.
P.S. Pat did I see you in Williams Arena for the MSU/Minn game back in January?
Pat, I like your article about the Tigers and they should be there if they play smart baseball. Now having Damon in LF, Raburn/Thomas and Maggs in RF is plain dumb baseball. Even though, I think Jackson is the guy to beat for CF job.
I know guard play is important in the NCAA tournament, but State just doesn't have the front line size to compete this season. Without a true post threat on offense, opposing D can press out closer on the jump shooters. Although he didn't always stay down low, Suton was a critical post presence on last year's team that is missing this season. Roe & Morgan aren't big enough. Sherman and Nix should have been force fed minutes earlier this season to be ready to contribute in the tournament. The furthest this team goes is Sweet 16.
B-Race Miles,
No, wasn't there. Izzo's best teams have always had agressive guards who hit the boards. Summers is a key in that area. Was in last tourney run.
Caputo
Barry,
Jackson will get first crack at it, for sure. And he has been in the minors long enough that he should be ready.
Caputo
Jeff H,
I don't know if Suton's post presence will be missed as much on offense as defense. I think Spartans will score. Will they be able to play defense inside?
Caputo
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